Para Japón Virtual Release Party & Contest

The earthquakes and tsunamis that ravaged Japan earlier this year may no longer be in the headlines, but that doesn’t mean all has returned to normal in the archipelago nation. The process of cleaning up and recovering from the disaster will take years, with a high cost that is nearly impossible to accurately estimate.

The experience of watching the many video clips as they made their way around the globe was one of shock at the immensity of it all, and futility at knowledge that there truly was nothing we could do but watch. The charitable Para Japón project arose out of the desire to do whatever we could do to help the Japanese people as an avid group of cigar smokers. I say “we” because I was involved in the initial discussion, and was actually the one that recommended “Para Japón” name. Of course, the real credit goes to Mario for coming up with the concept, and Guillermo Leon of La Aurora for actually producing the cigars. But I’m flattered and honored that I was able to contribute in some small way. For the official details, please see the press release excerpts below.

I’m not here today just to announce the existence of the project, you’ve probably already heard about it by now. Today’s post serves to let you know about Para Japón Virtual Release Party and to give Stogie Review patrons the opportunity to win one of a number of Para Japón two-packs we have to give away.

How to Enter the Contest
To enter to win a Para Japón two-pack, all you have to do is answer the following questions using the comment functionality below. Get your entry in by 4/24/11. Easy as that. Winners will be selected at random and contacted by email for shipping information.

1.) What is your favorite La Aurora cigar?
2.) What is the next La Aurora cigar you plan on smoking?

Note: This is a part of a larger contest with numerous participating cigar blogs. You can only win one two-pack, total. (If you’ve already won one elsewhere, no need to enter again, but feel free to say say hi.) We’re doing this to maximize the number of people who get to it out. More winners, bigger release party. Of course, don’t even think about entering if you’re under 18, or cannot legally enter for any other reason. Void where prohibited and all that other stuff too.

In March 2011 La Aurora hosted a media event at their factory in the Dominican
Republic. Invited to this event were many members of the online cigar blog
community who have become a vital part of the cigar industry today. During an
evening discussion at the hotel where the attendees were staying the topic of
the recent devastation in Japan came up. Cigar Explorer founder Mario
Takayama (a native of Japan) described the area of Japan most impacted by the
earthquake/tsunami, and just how much this destruction of that region will set
back the country as a whole. As most conversations of this manner play out, the
idea of “what can we do to help?” arose. Guillermo quickly came to the decision
that he really had to do something, so the idea for a cigar (Now know as “Para
Japón”) will be produced, and all the proceeds from the sale of the cigar will be
donated to the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief fund thought JAPAN
TOBACCO IMEX CO. LTD, La Aurora Distributor in Japan.

Details of the Virtual Release Party

The Virtual Release Party will be a live online event hosted by Team of Project
Para Japón that is open to anyone who wishes to join in on this significant
occasion. The event will be streamed live via UStream (Link will be on
ParaJapon.com) and Guillermo will be on hand to answer any questions about
the Para Japón cigar, or any of the La Aurora products. Also attending the event
via UStream Chat, Twitter, and Facebook are all of the cigar bloggers who
attended the La Aurora media event in the Dominican Republic. These bloggers
will share stories from the trip, and give their opinions on the “Para Japón” cigar.

For more details on the La Aurora Para Japón cigar please visit ParaJapon.com
to read the official press release from La Aurora Cigars.

Since it’s illegal to import tobacco without paying the taxes and what not, I can’t enter this contest. Still, I think this is a great innitiative and I do hope that legislators take note: the cigar industry is supportive of the Japanese efforts. Perhaps tobacco people aren’t all bad people who’s products should be outlawed for health benefits…

To be Fair I haven’t tried a La Aurora product yet, I’m still fairly new into the cigar world, but if I were to buy one now it would have to be the 107 I hear so much about. I hope the Para Japon does well and would love to try it one day. Good luck and great work

1.) What is your favorite La Aurora cigar?
—So far it’s the 107, tasty stick!!
2.) What is the next La Aurora cigar you plan on smoking?
—Guillermo Leon Gran Corona, just picked it up yesterday at my local B&M.

2. As an Asian myself that I’d like to support my Asian brothers and sisters. I will buy as much as I can afford the Para Japón cigars. When is the Para Japón Cigar hitting the B&M. The local B&M at my town don’t have them.

It is hard to win a cigar on the Stogie Review guys. I have been tried for years.

1.) What is your favorite La Aurora cigar? – My favorite LA cigar is without a doubt the 1495. It performed very well ans received very high ratings when I sampled one that a had a few years of age on it.
2.) What is the next La Aurora cigar you plan on smoking? My next LA cigar is going to be Preferido Cameroon Robusto. Probably tomorrow night. Can’t wait!